The market dipped this week, with all three major indexes down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.56%), the S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.88%), and the Nasdaq (^IXIC -2.05%) were down 2.1%, 2.2%, and 2.9%, respectively. With that as context, let's look at the stocks everybody was talking about.
We may as well start with the most talked-about stock in the market: Apple. While its stock is down around 10% from its iPhone 5 launch hype high of just over $700 a share, the next big thing is apparently around the corner. All Things D is reporting that the unveiling of a smaller iPad, a.k.a. the "iPad Mini," will probably take place on Oct. 23 to a select group of invitees. (For a thorough breakdown of Apple's prospects, check out our premium report by clicking here.)
Although Apple dominates the water cooler, coal stocks dominated the gainers list this week. Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), Peabody Energy (BTU), and Consol Energy led the S&P 500 winners, with double-digit percentage gains. Why? Some say it's rising natural gas prices (a potential alternative to coal), but there are other theories as well. Read more here.
On the down side, AMD spooked investors on Friday ahead of its earnings announcement next week. The chip maker told investors to a 10% sales drop versus the second quarter. That's in contrast to prior guidance for a 1% dip, "plus or minus 3%." Intel has also recently shown weakness, but that's little comfort to AMD investors who saw their shares drop 14% on the news.
It's easy to get caught up in the incessant Apple speculation, a quick coal bounce, or some underwhelming guidance, but good investing requires a longer-term outlook beyond the daily grind. To help, check out "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." The free report details three stocks that can help in your quest for the perfect portfolio. Click here to find out their names.
